Sub Set up Final Exam Question

Hi Maitrega. Can you describe the "overlapping bass"?

I can think of two possibilites. Either the crossover for the Titan is set too high, and therefore creating too much overlap with the mains, which in turn creates a hump at that frequency. Or the Titan is over-reinforcing certain frequencies because of it's close proximity to the rear corner.

Are your Beethovens set to "large" [full range] with a low crossover, and the Haydns on "small" with the sub? Or are the Beethovens set to "small" with a higher crossover point between them and the Titan?

Revel advises loading up their subs in corners. But they use an equalizer in conjunction with their crossover and amp to attenuate any humps caused by that placement. Subs that don't utilize an equalizer require more care with crossover selection and sub placement.

Make sure your crossover is set so that there is no frequency overlap. You might even want to try leaving a bit of a gap if the Denon allows. Once that is squared away, experiment with placement of the Titan. Try moving it away from the rear corner along the back wall or side wall and see what difference that makes. You'll probably lose some impact and "boom" when not in the corner, but you'll flatten the response and gain in areas of detail. Also play with the phase setting whether you choose the rear or side walls.

Good luck!

Yet another common situation! There's lot's of this sort of thing out there, with high end or otherwise! This is why, time and time again, I always try to recommend people to PLEASE ENLIST THE HELP OF QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCE, SKILLED PROFESSIONALS! If you're into making this your life long endevor, and have lots of time and desire on your hands, that's one thing. But most people sadely end up with less than stellar set up's, even with the best gear available!
www.rivesaudio.com and others offer consulting for such room/set up/acoustical problems. YOu might consider consulting them.
Good luck

Asa with main speakers just putting time into placemtn can be very time comsuming (to the point of being maddening!) but can make more differnce than anything else in a system.One would obviously place the sub nest to the rear wall to re-inforce the amount of bass but how far into the corner and than setting the crossover point and volume can take a lot of time.But just like main speakers when you have it right I liken the effect to linning the two halves of the circles in a Camers's focus.It can with speaker placement dramatically snap into focus.Time and experimentation can really pay off.